Protective membrane for touch screen device

ABSTRACT

A protective membrane is disclosed for an electronic device that has a touch screen. The touch screen is protected with a membrane adapted to the specific contour and profile of the electronic device and allows the user to use the touch screen interface with no shortcomings. The protective case is further adapted to allow infrared and other communication signals while the device is secured inside the case. Further, electrical connections can be made through the case without affecting the protection afforded the electronic device inside.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/300,200 entitled “Protective Case for Touch Screen Device” by CurtisR. Richardson, filed Nov. 19, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,646,864 whichclaims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/335,865 filed Nov. 19, 2001 by Curtis R.Richardson entitled “Protective Case for Touch Screen Device,” theentire contents of both applications are hereby specificallyincorporated herein by reference for all they disclose and teach.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains generally to protective cases andspecifically to protective cases for devices that have a touch screeninterface.

b. Description of the Background

Personal Digital Assistants, or PDAs are being very widely used, and arebeing deployed in industrial as well as office environments. PDAs arebeing used in industrial environments for data collection, such asservice information on an airplane, or for data delivery such as mapsfor fire fighters and other emergency personnel. When PDAs are deployedin such industrial applications, the data that is collected anddisplayed on the PDA can be extremely valuable and can be life saving.

The industrial environments impose harsh conditions that typical PDAsare not designed to accommodate. For example, damage can be done to thePDA through rough handling and dropping. Further, industrial chemicals,grease, water, dirt, and grime may damage or destroy a functioning PDAand inhibit the use of the PDAs valuable data.

It is common to hold the PDAs inside a protective case for transport.However, in the case of a firefighter using the PDA on a fire scene,opening a case with gloved hands in the midst of fighting a fire exposesthe PDA to easily being dropped, getting wet, or otherwise beingdamaged.

The user interface for PDAs are typically a few buttons and a touchscreen display. The touch screen is used to both display information andto capture information. The data capture generally uses a stylus toselect buttons or areas on the screen for certain functions, draw shapesonto the screen, use character recognition to enter text or numbers, orother methods of data capture.

The PDA may be connected to another computer by several mechanisms. ThePDA may be direct connected using a wire connection, wherein a cablewith a connector physically connects to the PDA. A second method is touse an infrared communication protocol that uses an infrared transmitterand receiver mounted in the PDA to communicate with another computerhaving a similar transceiver. A third method is to communicate via radiosignals such as a cellular phone protocol or wireless modem.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a case for a PDA whereinthe PDA may be fully operated when the PDA is stored securely in thecase. Further, the operation of the PDA through its touch screeninterface should not be hindered by a protective case. The case wouldalso not interfere with the connections between the PDA and anothercomputer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of theprior art by providing a protective case whereby a touch screen displaymay be viewed and manipulated without impeding the performance of thedisplay and for use while the device is protected by the case. The touchscreen interface is comprised of a semi rigid translucent or at leastpartially transparent material that is stiff enough and smooth enoughfor the stylus to move over the surface of the material without digginginto the surface of the material and still being flexible enough so thatthe touch screen may be operated.

Further, the present invention may allow infrared and other types ofcommunications between a device inside the case and an externalelectronic device while the device is maintained in the protective case.The present invention also may allow for optional direct electricalconnections to be made through the case without having to open the case.Additionally, pass-throughs for light, acoustics, heat, mechanicalactuation, etc. may also be provided.

The present invention may further comprise a belt clip for holding thecase on a person's belt. The belt clip may be designed so that the touchscreen interface is oriented toward the user's body for optimalprotection from damage.

The present invention may therefore comprise a protective membrane for atouch screen comprising: a recessed area disposed over the touch screen,the recessed area being at least partially transparent; the surfacefinish having a predetermined smoothness; the recessed area having apredetermined thickness; the recessed area having a predeterminedstiffness; the predetermined smoothness, the predetermined thickness,and the predetermined stiffness being selected such that simultaneouspressing and sliding of a stylus over the recessed area creates atactile input to the touch screen.

The present invention may further comprise a protective cover thatprotects a touch screen on an electronic device and allows slidingtactile input to the touch screen comprising: a protective enclosurethat attaches to said electronic device; a protective membrane that isattached to the protective enclosure comprising: a recessed areadisposed over the touch screen, the recessed area being at leastpartially transparent; the recessed area having a surface finish with apredetermined smoothness; the recessed area having a predeterminedthickness; the recessed area having a predetermined stiffness; thepredetermined smoothness, said predetermined thickness, and saidpredetermined stiffness being selected such that simultaneous pressingand sliding of a stylus over the recessed area is sufficient to create atactile input to the touch screen.

The advantages of the present invention are that PDAs and otherelectronic devices having touch screens may be used in the most severeoperating environments without damage. Further, various functions of theelectronic devices may be available to the user, including portability,direct electrical connection, infrared transmit and receive, radiotransmit and receive, direct operation of every button, and full viewingand manipulation of the touch screen interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention shown inthe closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention shown inthe open position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention shown inan exploded state.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention shownfrom the rear.

FIG. 5 is a front view of an embodiment of the invention, showing asection line.

FIG. 6 is a section view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of a section shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment comprising a singlepiece encapsulating cover.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment comprising anon-encapsulating snap over cover.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment that comprises a beltclip.

FIG. 11 is a second perspective view of an embodiment that comprises abelt clip.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention of a protective cover for a PDA or other device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.Embodiment 100 comprises a rigidly molded front case 102 and rear case104. An overmolded grommet 106 forms a receptacle for stylus 108 andalso aids in sealing membrane 110. A flexible hand strap 112 attaches tothe rear case 104. A hinge 114 joins front case 102 and rear case 104. Aring 124 for a lanyard is shown as an integral feature of rear case 104.

Embodiment 100 is designed to hold a conventional personal digitalassistant (PDA) in a protective case. A PDA, such as a Palm Pilot,Handspring Visor, Compaq Ipaq, Hewlett Packard Jornada, or similarproducts use a touch screen for display and data entry. The touch screendisplay comprises either a color or black and white liquid crystaldisplay with a touch sensitive device mounted on top of the display. Thedisplay is used for displaying graphics, text, and other elements to theuser. The touch screen is used with a stylus 108 to select elements fromthe screen, to draw figures, and to enter text with a characterrecognition program in the PDA. The stylus 108 generally resembles aconventional writing implement however, the tip of the writing implementis a rounded plastic tip. In place of a stylus 108, the user may use thetip of a finger or fingernail, or a conventional pen or pencil. When aconventional writing implement is used, damage to the touch screenelement may occur, such as scratches.

For the purposes of this specification, the term PDA shall include anyelectronic device that has a touch screen interface. This may includeinstruments such as voltmeters, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and anyother hand held, bench top, or rack mounted instrument that has a touchscreen interface. Hand held devices, such as cell phones, satellitephones, telemetric devices, and other hand held devices are also to beclassified as PDAs for the purposes of this specification. The term PDAshall also include any computer terminal display that has a touch screeninterface. These may comprise kiosks, outdoor terminal interfaces,industrial computer interfaces, commercial computer interfaces, andother computer displays. Additionally, the term PDA may comprise barcodescanners, hand held GPS receivers, and other handheld electronicdevices. The foregoing description of the term PDA has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, andother modifications and variations may be possible in light of theteachings of this specification.

In addition, the PDAs typically have a handful of additional buttons aspart of the user interface. These buttons are generally on the front ofthe device, near the touch screen element. The additional buttons may beused as shortcut buttons to instantly call up a certain program on thePDA, may comprise a method of scrolling, may be used to select itemsfrom a list, or may have any function that the designer of the PDAsoftware may assign to the button or set of buttons. The button size,layout, and function may vary for each manufacturer and model of PDA.

Further, PDAs typically have at least one method of connecting toanother computer. This may be through a direct electrical connection,such as through a wire cable or fiber optic, or through another mediumsuch as infrared communication or through a radio communication.

Additionally, the PDAs typically have an electrical source. Theelectrical source may be a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery orsolar cells. The electrical source may be a remote source of electricitythat is transmitted to the PDA through a wire cable or through othermethods of electrical transmission.

Further, PDAs may have indicator lights, such as status lights forpower, communication, battery status, or other functions. The lights maybe located on any of the sides of the PDA and may be viewable on one ormore sides.

Front case 102 and rear case 104 form a protective cover for the PDA.The protective cover may be designed for rugged industrial use,recreational use, commercial use, or many other uses. An industrial usemay require the protective cover to be watertight, chemically resistant,protect the unit when dropped, and be crush proof. A typical applicationmay be for fire fighters to use a PDA for a display of maps fordirections to an emergency scene or for a building plan at the scene ofa fire. Another example may be a maintenance mechanic in a chemicalplant using a PDA to record maintenance records in the plant thatprocesses. A recreational use may require the cover to be watertight,afford some protection against dropping and being crushed, float inwater, and be dust resistant. A recreational use may be to take the PDAduring kayaking, diving, or other water sport activity. Further, thecase may be used when the PDA is taken camping, hiking, or other outdooractivity. A commercial use may additionally require the protective coverto be elegant, but may also require the cover to be replaceable so thatscratches and other signs of wear and tear can be easily and cheaplyreplaced.

The protective cover for the PDA may take on many embodiments. Theembodiment 100 comprises a front case 102 and rear case 104 that arejoined by a hinge 114 and a clasp mechanism that is on the side of thecases opposite the hinge 114. Other embodiments may have a small doorinto which the PDA slides, or the protective cover may not completelyenclose the PDA and only cover the face where the user interface exists,leaving one or more sides of the PDA exposed. Those skilled in the artmay use other designs of protective covers without deviating from thescope and intent of the present invention.

The protective cover may be constructed of rigid plastic, metal,flexible rubber, or any other type of material that could be adapted toafford the protection of the PDA desired for the application. Forexample, a metal cover may be used in an application where an elegantstyle is necessary but watertightness is not. A flexible rubber covermay be selected for an application in a wet environment. A rigid plasticcover may be selected for an application where dropping the PDA is aconcern. Those skilled in the art may use other types of materials andconstructions without deviating from the spirit of the presentinvention.

The PDA may be mounted in the protective cover using many differentmounting techniques. For example, the PDA may be mounted using open orclosed cell foam inserts in the protective cover. In another embodiment,the PDA may be mounted by attaching the PDA to the cover with afastener. In another embodiment, the PDA may be mounted by snapping intothe protective waterproof cover. In another embodiment, the PDA may beheld in place by resting in molded features of two halves of aprotective case that clamps onto the PDA. Those skilled in the art mayuse other types of locating and holding mechanisms without deviatingfrom the spirit of the present invention.

The overmolded grommet 106 of the present embodiment is constructed byinjection molding a thermoplastic polymerized rubber (TPR) over thefront case 102. The grommet 106 has molded features 116 and 118 adaptedto retain the stylus 108. Features 116 and 118 capture the stylus 108during transportation, but allow the user to remove the stylus 108 tooperate the PDA. In other embodiments of the present invention, thestylus 108 may be constrained to the PDA with a tether or lanyard, orthe constraining features may be incorporated into other components thatmake up the protective cover. Further, the stylus 108 may not be presentin the embodiment, rather that the PDA be adapted to be used with theuser's fingernail or with another implement similar to the stylus 108.

The membrane 110 of the present embodiment is constructed bythermoforming a sheet of thin plastic. The plastic is selected to bethin enough that the deformation of a stylus conducts the touch to thetouch screen, but thick enough to have enough rigidity that the stylusdoes not catch and rip the membrane. Additionally, the membrane 110should have enough thickness to endure scratches and other wear and tearwithout breaking and sacrificing the protective function.Polyvinylchoride material at 0.010 in to 0.015 in thickness givesacceptable results. Alternatively, membrane 110 may be constructed byinjection molding or other methods. Alternative materials may be used bythose skilled in the art to achieve the same results while maintainingwithin the spirit and intent of the present invention.

The membrane 110 in the present embodiment may be translucent or atleast partially transparent, so that the images displayed on the PDA maybe visible through the membrane 110. The membrane 110 may be tinted orcolorized in some applications. For example, a protective cover designedas a decorative cover may incorporate a colorized membrane 110. Further,the membrane may be selectively colorized and the opaqueness may vary.For example, the protective membrane may be printed or painted in theareas not used for the touch screen. A printing process may incorporatea logo, graphics, or labeling for individual buttons for the PDA. Theprinting process may further incorporate features, such as text orgraphics, that are used by the software on the PDA for a purpose such assimplifying data input or for designating an area on the touch screenfor a specific function, such as a help function. The printing orpainting processes used on the membrane 110 may be purely decorative andmay be for aesthetic purposes only. The printing process may alsocomprise logos or graphics for the brand identity of the PDA cover.Other processes, such as colorizing the raw material for the membrane110 or adding other components to the raw material, such as metal flakesor other additives, may be used to change the optical features of themembrane 110.

The optical performance of the membrane 110 may be changed or enhancedby changing the texture of the area of the touch screen. For example,the membrane may be frosted on the outside to hide scratches or may beimprinted with a lens or other features that change the opticalcharacteristics of the membrane 110. The membrane 110 may have opticalfeatures that are used in conjunction with the software of the PDA. Forexample, all or a portion of the membrane may comprise a lens thatmagnifies an image to a user. When the user touches the image on themembrane 110 and the touch is transferred to the touch screen, thesoftware in the PDA may have to compensate for the positionaldifferences between the image and actual area that was touched by theuser. In another example, if a specific portion of the membrane 110 hada specific optical characteristic, the software of the PDA may beconstructed to display a specific graphic for the area for an intendedeffect.

The membrane 110 in the present embodiment has a recessed portion 120and a raised portion 122. The recessed portion 120 may be adapted topress flat against the touch screen area of a specific PDA. The raisedportion 122 may be adapted to fit over an area of the specific PDA whereseveral buttons are located.

The raised portion 122 allows the user to operate the buttons on thePDA. The raised portion 122 is adapted such that the buttons on the PDAare easily operated through the protective membrane 110. The raisedportion 122 may have special features to aid the user in pressing thebuttons. For example, the raised portion 122 may comprise a dimpled areafor the user's finger located directly over the button. Further, afeature to aid the user may comprise a section of membrane 110 definedby a thinner area around the section, enabling the user to more easilydeflect the section of membrane over the button. The area of thinnermaterial may comprise a large section or a thin line. Further, tactileelements, such as small ribs or bumps may be incorporated into themembrane 110 in the area of the buttons so that the user has a tactilesensation that the user's finger is over the button. The tactile elementmay be particularly effective if the button was a power switch, forexample, that turned on the PDA.

The configuration of the membrane 110 may be unique to each style ormodel of PDA, however, the front case 102 and rear case 104 may be usedover a variety of PDAs. In the present embodiment, the changeover fromone PDA variety to another is accomplished by replacing the membrane 110without having to change any other parts. The present embodiment maytherefore be mass-produced with the only customizable area being themembrane 110 to allow different models of PDAs to be used with a certainfront case 102 and rear case 104.

The hand strap 112 in the present embodiment allows the user to hold theembodiment 100 securely in his hand while using the PDA. The hand strap112 may be constructed of a flexible material, such as rubber or clothwebbing, and may have an adjustment, such as a buckle, hook and loopfastener, or other method of adjustment. In other embodiments, a handstrap may be a rigid plastic handle, a folding handle, or any othermethod of assisting the user in holding the embodiment. Further, theembodiment may be adapted to be fix-mounted to another object, like apiece of machinery, a wall, or any other object. A fix-mountedembodiment may have other accoutrements adapted for a fixed mountapplications, such as receptacles for a stylus adapted to a fix-mount,specialized electrical connections, features for locking the PDA insidethe case to prevent theft, or designs specifically adapted to shed waterwhen rained upon.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment 100 shown in anopen position. The front case 102 and rear case 104 are shown open aboutthe hinge 114. Membrane 110 is shown installed into gasket 106, and therecessed portion 120 and raised portion 122 of membrane 110 isillustrated looking from the inside of the case. The clasp mechanismsare not shown in this illustration. Hand strap 112 is shown attached torear case 104.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment 100 shown in anexploded state. The hand strap 116 attaches to the rear cover 104. Theovermolded grommet 106 holds the stylus 108 and is attached to frontcover 102. The membrane 110 attaches to the grommet 106 and is held inplace with an o-ring 302.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment 100 shown fromthe rear. The hand strap 116 is shown, along with rear cover 104 andfront cover 102. The stylus 108 is shown inserted into the overmoldedgrommet 106.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the embodiment 100. The front cover102, membrane 110, stylus 108, and hinge 114 are all visible.

FIG. 6 illustrates a section view of the embodiment 100 taken throughthe section line shown in FIG. 5. The front cover 102, rear cover 104,overmolded gasket 106, stylus 108, membrane 110, hand strap 112, ando-ring 302 are all shown hatched in this view.

FIG. 7 illustrates a detail view of the embodiment 100 shown in FIG. 6.Front case 102 and rear case 104 are joined at hinge 114. Overmoldedgasket 106 traps membrane 110 and o-ring 302 locks membrane 110 inplace. Overmolded gasket 106 may be formed by molding thermoplasticpolymerized rubber over the front cover 102.

The replacement of the membrane 110 is accomplished by removing o-ring302, pushing the membrane 110 from the overmolded gasket 106, snapping anew membrane 110 into place, and replacing the o-ring 302. The ease ofreplacement of the present embodiment allows a user to quickly replace adamaged membrane 110, allows a user to upgrade their case to a newermodel PDA, and may allow a user to select from various membranes 110 forthe particular application. One embodiment may have a single casepackaged with a small variety of several types of membranes 110. In suchan embodiment, the user may purchase the packaged set, select themembrane 110 that suits the user's particular PDA, and install theselected membrane 110 with ease.

The protective cover of the present invention may have directconnections through the cover for connecting through the case. Such aconnection is known as pass through. The connections may be for power,communication, heat dissipation, optical transmissions, mechanicalmotion, or other reasons.

Electrical connections may require an insulated metal conductor from thePDA through the wall of the protective cover so that a flexible cablemay be attached or so that the PDA in its protective case may be placedin a cradle for making the electrical connection. Inside the protectivecover, the electrical connections may be made with a flexible cable thatis plugged into the PDAs electrical connector before the PDA is securedin the protective cover. Alternatively, a fixed connector may beattached to the protective cover and the PDA is slid into contact withthe fixed connector. Another embodiment may be for a compliant, yetfixed mounted electrical connector to be rigidly mounted inside theprotective cover. A compliant, yet fixed mounted electrical connectormay comprise spring loaded probes, commonly referred to as pogo pins.Another embodiment may comprise spring fingers that engage the PDAselectrical contacts. On the outside of the protective cover, theelectrical contacts may be terminated into a fix-mounted connectoradapted to receive a cable from a computer. The connector may bedesigned to receive a cable that plugs directly into the PDA or it maybe adapted to receive a different connector. Further, the electricalconnection to the PDA may be permanently attached to a cable thatextends out of the protective cover. Another embodiment may be to have asmall trap door that opens in the protective cover to allow access tothe electrical connections. While the trap door exposes the PDA to theelements the cover is designed to protect against, a direct electricalconnection may eliminate a potential cabling connection problem.Connections for fiber optics can be handled in similar fashions as theelectrical connections. An embodiment with a power connection maycomprise the use of inductive coils located in proximity to each otherbut on opposite sides of the protective cover. Those skilled in the artof may devise other embodiments for connecting through the protectivecover without deviating from the scope and intent of the presentinvention.

Through the air communications, such as infrared and over the air radiofrequency (RF) communications may pass through the protective cover. Thematerial for the front case 102 and rear case 104 may be selected to beclear plastic, such as polycarbonate. The infrared transceiver of thePDA can communicate through a clear plastic case to another infraredtransceiver outside of the case. Further, the appropriate selection ofmaterial for the protective case can thereby enable various RFtransmissions, such as cellular phone communications or other wirelesscommunication protocols.

An infrared transmission through the protective case of an embodiment ofthe invention may be accomplished by making the entire protective caseout of a clear material. Alternatively, a selected area of theprotective case may be clear while the remainder of the case is opaque.The selected area may be constructed of a separate piece that allows theinfrared light through the protective case. Alternatively, the selectedarea may be constructed of a portion of the protective case thatmanufactured in a way so as not to be opaque, such as selectively notpainting or plating the area of a plastic protective case. Further, theclear material through which the transmission occurs may be tinted inthe visual spectrum but be translucent or at least partially transparentin the infrared spectrum of the device.

A protective case may allow RF transmissions to and from the PDA whilethe case is closed. Such a case may be constructed of a non-metallicmaterial. In some embodiments, the material of the protective case maybe tuned to allow certain frequencies to pass through the protectivecover and tune out other frequencies, through loading the material usedin the protective cover with conductive media or through varying thethickness of the case and other geometries of the case in the area ofthe PDA transmission and reception antenna.

In a different embodiment, it may be desirable to shield the PDA fromoutside RF interference. In this case, the protective cover may be ametallic construction or may be plastic with a metallized coating.Further, membrane 110 may have a light metallized coating applied sothat membrane 110 is slightly or fully conductive. An application forsuch an embodiment may be the use of the PDA in an area of high RF noisethat may interfere with the operation of the PDA, or conversely, the usemay be in an area that is highly susceptible to external RF interferenceand the PDAs RF noise may be interfering with some other device.

The PDA may be equipped with a camera or other video capture device. Aprotective cover may have provisions to allow a clear image to be seenby the video capture device through the case. Such provisions mayinclude an optically clear insert assembled into the protective case.Other embodiments may have a sliding trap door whereby the user of thePDA may slide the door open for the camera to see. Additionally, otherembodiments may comprise a molded case that has an optically clear lensintegrally molded. Such an embodiment may be additionally painted,plated, or overmolded, with the lens area masked so that the painting,plating, or overmolding does not interfere with the optics of the lens.

An optically clear area may be used for a barcode scanner portion of aPDA to scan through the case to the outside world. In such anembodiment, a barcode scanner may be protected from the elements whilestill maintaining full functionality in the outside world.

The PDA may have indicator lights that indicate various items, such aspower, battery condition, communication, and other status items. Theindicator lights may be in positions on the PDA that are not readilyviewable through the protective membrane 110. The indicator lights maybe made visible through the protective case by using light pipes thattransmit the light from the PDAs status light to the outside of theprotective case. Such light pipes may be constructed of clear or tintedplastic, or other translucent or semi-transparent material. The lightpipes may be formed as an integral feature to the protective case or maybe separate parts that are formed separately and assembled to theprotective case.

The PDA may have a speaker or other element that makes noise and/or thePDA may have a microphone for receiving audio signals. The speaker maybe an audio quality device for reproducing sound or it may be a simplebuzzer for indicating various functions of the PDA. The microphone maybe an audio quality device or it may be a low performance device.Special provisions may be made for transmitting sound through aprotective case. Such provisions may range from a single hole in thecase to a tuned cavity that would allow sound to pass through withminimum distortion. Other embodiments may include a transmissivemembrane adapted to allow sound to pass through the protective case witha minimum of distortion. Such membranes may be located near the speakerand microphone elements of the PDA. Such membranes may be watertightmembranes known by the brand name Gore-Tex.

The PDA may generate heat during its use and provisions for dissipatingthe heat may be built into the protective cover. A heat-dissipatingdevice may be integral to the protective cover or may comprise one ormore separate parts. For example, a metallic protective cover may beadapted to touch the PDA in the area of heat generation and conduct theheat outwardly to the rest of the protective cover. The protective covermay thereby dissipate the heat to the external air without overheatingthe PDA. In another example, a separate heat sink may be applied to thePDA and allowed to protrude through a hole in the protective cover. Theheat sink may thereby transfer the heat from the PDA to the ambientenvironment without overheating the PDA. The heat sinks may be attachedto the PDA with a thermally conductive adhesive. Other embodiments mayinclude vent holes for heat dissipation and air circulation.

The PDA may have a button that may not be located underneath themembrane 110. An embodiment may include a flexible, pliable, orotherwise movable mechanism that may transmit mechanical motion from theoutside of the case to a button on the PDA. Such an embodiment may havea molded dimpled surface that is pliable and allows a user to activate abutton on a PDA by pressing the dimpled surface. Another embodiment mayhave a rigid plunger that is mounted on a spring and adapted to transmitthe mechanical movement from the exterior of the case to a button on thePDA. The buttons on the PDA may be located on any side of the PDA and anembodiment of a case may have pliable areas adapted to allow the user topress buttons that are not on the front face of the PDA.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of embodiment 800 of the present inventionwherein the PDA 802 is encapsulated by a protective cover 804. Theinstallation of the PDA 802 is to slide PDA 802 into the opening 808,then fold door 806 closed and secure with flap 810, which is hingedalong line 812. Areas 814 and 816 may comprise a hook and loop fastenersystem or other fastening device. Recessed area 818 is adapted to fitagainst touch screen 820 of PDA 802.

Embodiment 800 may be comprised of a single molded plastic part that maybe very low cost. As shown, embodiment 800 may not be completelyweathertight, since the door 806 does not completely seal the enclosure.However, such an embodiment may afford considerable protection to thePDA 802 in the areas of dust protection, scratch protection, and beingoccasionally rained upon. Further, the low cost of the embodiment 800may be changed often during the life of the PDA 802.

Embodiment 800 may have custom colors, logos, or designs that allow auser to personalize their PDA with a specific cover that is suited totheir mood or tastes. The colors, logos, and designs may be integrallymolded into the cover 804. Alternatively, different colors, logos, anddesigns may be applied in a secondary operation such as printing,painting, plating, or other application process.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of embodiment 900 of the present inventionwherein a decorative cover 902 is snapped over a PDA 904. The ends 906and 908 snap over the PDA ends 910 and 912 as an attachment mechanismfor cover 902 to PDA 904. Recessed area 914 is adapted to fit againsttouch screen 916

Embodiment 900 may be a cover for decorative purposes only, or may befor protective purposes as well. Cover 902 may be emblazoned with logos,designs, or other visual embellishments to personalize the PDA 904. Thecolors, logos, and designs may be integrally molded into the cover 904.Alternatively, different colors, logos, and designs may be applied in asecondary operation such as printing, painting, plating, or otherapplication process.

Embodiment 900 may be attached by snapping the cover 902 onto PDA 904.Special provisions in the case of PDA 904 may be provided for a snappingfeature of cover 902, or cover 902 may be adapted to hold onto PDA 904without the use of special features in PDA 904.

The features used to secure cover 902 to PDA 904 may be any mechanismwhereby the cover 902 can be secured. This includes snapping, clamping,fastening, sliding, gluing, adhering, or any other method for securingtwo components together.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a receiver1002 for holding the protective case 100. The protective case 100 isheld into receiver 1002 in such a manner that the touch screen displayis facing into the receiver 1002, to afford the touch screen displaywith protection.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of a receiver1002 shown from the opposite side as FIG. 10. Receiver 1002 is comprisedof a back 1102, a belt clip mechanism 1104, and four clip areas 1106,1108, 1110, and 1112. The protective case 100 is placed into thereceiver 1002 by inserting one end into the receiver, then rotating theprotective case 100 into position such that the snapping action of clipareas 1106, 1108, 1110, and 1112 are engaged to hold protective case 100securely.

Receiver 1002 may be adapted to clip onto a person's belt or may beadapted to be mounted on a wall or other location where the PDA may bestored. The orientation of the protective case 100 is such that thetouch screen element of the PDA is protected during normal transport andstorage, since the touch screen interface is facing the back 1102 of thereceiver 1002.

Receiver 1002 may be made of compliant plastic that allows the clipareas 1106, 1108, 1110, and 1112 to move out of the way and spring backduring insertion or removal of the protective case 100. In the presentembodiment, receiver 1002 may be constructed of a single part. Inalternative embodiments, receiver 1002 may be constructed of multipleparts and of multiple materials, such as a metal back with spring loadedclips. In other embodiments, special features may be included in theprotective case 100 where the receiver 1002 may engage a special featurefor securing the protective case 100.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment 1200 of the present invention of aprotective cover for a PDA or other device. A rigid front cover 1202 anda rigid rear cover 1204 are held together with a series of latches 1206,1208, 1210, and 1212. The protective membrane 1214 protects thetouchscreen of the enclosed PDA. A folding rigid cover 1216 operates asa rigid shield to prevent the membrane 1214 from any damage. The stylusholder 1220 is formed from an overmolded flexible material in which themembrane 1214 is mounted.

Embodiment 1200 illustrates yet another embodiment of the presentinvention wherein a rigid protective cover may be used to contain andprotect an electronic device, but provide full usable access to atouchscreen. The protective membrane 1214 and case may be watertight insome embodiments.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, andother modifications and variations may be possible in light of the aboveteachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application tothereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the inventionin various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims beconstrued to include other alternative embodiments of the inventionexcept insofar as limited by the prior art.

1. A protective enclosure for a touch screen device having a touch screen comprising: a shell that is capable of enclosing and substantially surrounding said touch screen device, said touch screen device being a separate unit from said protective enclosure, said shell being adapted to insert and remove said touch screen device by hand, said shell being substantially submersibly watertight, substantially rigid and substantially crush-resistant, said shell being larger than said touch screen device so that there is a gap between an outer surface of said touch screen device and an inner surface of said shell so that said shell may flex when subjected to a crushing force without transmitting said force directly to said touch screen device, said shell having an elevated protective rim substantially surrounding a perimeter of said touch screen of said touch screen device so that when said touch screen device is disposed in said enclosure, said touch screen of said touch screen device is recessed with respect to said protective rim of said shell so that said elevated protective rim protects said touch screen from deflection and breakage by contact with an object that is larger than said perimeter of said protective rim; and a flexible protective membrane that is integrally fixed on said shell so that said flexible protective membrane is disposed over said touch screen of said touch screen device when said touch screen device is disposed in said enclosure, said flexible protective membrane having a back side that has a substantially planar smooth surface that is adjacent to said touch screen of said touch screen device when said touch screen device is disposed in said enclosure so that tactile inputs on a front side of said flexible protective membrane are communicated to said touch screen through said flexible protective membrane, said flexible protective membrane being at least partially transparent such that said touch screen is visible through said flexible protective membrane so that said touch screen is capable of displaying and capturing information through said flexible protective membrane.
 2. The protective enclosure of claim 1 wherein said shell is made of a rigid plastic that is substantially devoid of soft PVC, thermoplastic elastomers, and thermoplastic polyurethanes, so that said shell is substantially crush-resistant.
 3. The protective enclosure of claim 1 wherein said shell is formed from polycarbonate having sufficient thickness to make said shell substantially crush-resistant.
 4. The protective enclosure of claim 1 wherein said shell is made of a rigid plastic that has a flexural modulus of at least 310 kilopounds per square inch so that said shell is substantially crush-resistant.
 5. The protective enclosure of claim 1 further comprising at least one shock-absorbing insert disposed in said gap between said touch screen device and said shell.
 6. The protective enclosure of claim 1 wherein said flexible protective membrane is sufficiently thin to transmit smooth strokes from a stylus to said touch screen without interruption of said strokes, said flexible protective membrane being sufficiently smooth and sufficiently firm to prevent said stylus from catching on said membrane.
 7. The protective enclosure of claim 6 wherein said shell of said protective enclosure further comprises grip-enhancing structures that enable said protective enclosure to be securely held by hand in slippery conditions.
 8. The protective enclosure of claim 6 further comprising at least one recessed area in said front side of said flexible protective membrane, said recessed area disposed to align with at least one predetermined region of said touch screen of said touch screen device when said touch screen device is disposed in said enclosure, said recessed area having a perimeter edge that provides tactile feedback, said recessed area being sufficiently thin so that said tactile inputs are transmitted through said flexible protective membrane to said touch screen of said touch screen device when said touch screen device is disposed in said enclosure.
 9. The protective enclosure of claim 8 further comprising textured areas in said front side of said flexible protective membrane, said textured areas providing tactile feedback, said textured areas customized through the incorporation of distinct textures that overlay and correspond to distinct functional areas of said touch screen device.
 10. The protective enclosure of claim 9 further comprising printed areas in said flexible protective membrane, said printed areas providing visual feedback, said printed areas customized through the incorporation of distinct printing that corresponds to distinct functional areas of said touch screen device.
 11. The protective enclosure of claim 10 further comprising colored areas in said flexible protective membrane, said colored areas providing visual feedback, said colored areas customized through the incorporation of distinct colors that correspond to distinct functional areas of said touch screen device.
 12. A method of manufacturing a protective enclosure for a touch screen device having a touch screen comprising: providing a protective shell that is capable of enclosing said touch screen device, said touch screen device being a separate unit from said protective enclosure, said shell being adapted to insert and remove said touch screen device by hand, said shell being substantially rigid and substantially crush-resistant, said shell being larger than said touch screen device so that there is a gap between an outer surface of said touch screen device and an inner surface of said shell so that said shell may flex when subjected to a crushing force without transmitting said force directly to said touch screen device, said shell having an elevated protective rim substantially surrounding a perimeter of said touch screen of said touch screen device so that when said touch screen device is disposed in said enclosure, said touch screen of said touch screen device is recessed with respect to said protective rim of said shell so That said elevated protective rim protects said touch screen from deflection and breakage by contact with an object that is larger than said perimeter of said protective rim; providing a compressible gasket that is disposed in a perimeter portion of said shell tat creates a watertight submersible seal; forming a clamp that clamps two portions of said shell in a closed position so as to compress said compressible gasket when said two portions of said shell are clamped in said closed position so that shell is submersibly watertight; disposing said gasket in a perimeter area of one portion of said two portions of said shell so that said shell is submersibly watertight when said two portions of said shell are clamped together causing said gasket to be compressed to form a submersibly watertight seal; providing a flexible protective membrane that is capable of being integrally fixed on one portion of said two portions of said shell so that said flexible protective membrane is disposed over said touch screen of said touch screen device when said touch screen device is disposed in said enclosure, said flexible protective membrane having a back side that has a substantially planar smooth surface that is adjacent to said touch screen of said touch screen device when said touch screen device is disposed in said enclosure so that tactile inputs on a front side of said flexible protective membrane are communicated to said touch screen through said flexible protective membrane, said flexible protective membrane being at least partially transparent such that said touch screen is visible through said flexible protective membrane so that said touch screen is capable of displaying and capturing information Through said flexible protective membrane; fixing said flexible protective membrane onto said one portion of said two portions of said protective shell so that said flexible protective membrane and said protective shell form a protective enclosure for said touch screen device.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprising: forming recessed areas in said front side of a flexible protective membrane, said recessed areas disposed to overlay and correspond to functional control areas of said touch screen device.
 14. The method of claim 12 further comprising: printing on predetermined areas of said flexible protective membrane to customize said flexible protective membrane.
 15. The method of claim 12 further comprising customizing: texturing predetermined areas of said flexible protective membrane to customize said flexible protective membrane.
 16. The method of claim 12 further comprising customizing: coloring predetermined areas of said flexible protective membrane to customize said flexible protective membrane.
 17. The method of claim 12 wherein said step of forming recessed areas in a front side of a flexible protective membrane is implemented using thermoforming tat enables thin-walled parts as required for precise recessed areas and an extensive choice of patterns, finishes, and textures.
 18. The method of claim 12 wherein said step of forming recessed areas in a front side of a flexible protective membrane is implemented using injection molding. 